UTA Social Work Alumna Turns Passion into National Advocacy

Social Work is a diverse field that addresses many issues facing populations, societies, and regions. For many, the concept of Social Work exists in narrow definitions, shaped by what they’ve seen or heard—child welfare, case management, or community programs. But for those who’ve studied and worked in the field, they know Social Work can take you almost anywhere.

For Monica Dorsey, a 2022 graduate of the UTA School of Social Work and recent national workforce development program and grants manager for the TD Jakes Foundation, Social Work has meant finding her purpose—and helping others find theirs.

Dorsey didn’t always know she wanted to be a social worker. After earning her bachelor’s degree at Texas College, a historically Black college in East Texas, where she found her love for advocacy as a White House All Star Ambassador for the White House Initiative on HBCU’s advocating for funding. After graduation, she truly began her social work career at the Texas Offenders Reentry Initiative assisting returning citizens and her journey truly began. Then she decided to go back and get her Masters thanks to a mentor who saw her potential.

“My program manager, Cassidy Brady, and my executive director Tina Naidoo had gone through UTA’s Social Work program. Then Cassidy said, ‘You need to do this. I believe in you. It’s the right program,” Brady said. “And I’m glad I listened.” Dorsey mentions.

Monica Dorsey poses for a photo at a UTA School of Social Work event. (Courtesy photo.)

Dorsey started the UTA School of Social Work MSW program in 2020, just as the COVID-19 pandemic swept through demolishing communities and face to face learning. Despite the pandemic challenges, she found a passion for mental health and substance use treatment—specializing in a field that aligned with her early career experiences as a reentry case manager helping people prepare for life after incarceration.

“I was working directly with incarcerated individuals, and a lot of them were struggling with mental health issues and substance abuse,” Dorsey said. “Fentanyl was tearing through communities, especially Black and Brown neighborhoods. I wanted to be someone who could step in and support that population the right way.”

After graduating, Dorsey stepped into a leadership role at her organization, taking over the field student supervision responsibilities from the very mentors who had encouraged her to pursue social work in the first place.

“It came full circle,” she said. “I went from being mentored to mentoring others. I worked with students from UTA, gave them hands-on experience, and tried to share everything I wish I had known.”

But Dorsey didn’t stop there. After two years of working in direct service and student supervision, she moved into her latest national leadership role with the TD Jakes Foundation, where she was assisting in leading national initiatives, community transformation and revitalization, developing national workforce cohorts for black and brown communities, and developing pathways across the country.

“I was able to gain experience in growing national partnerships with companies and nonprofits that want to give back and serve underserved communities helping every community thrive,” she said. “We help people who’ve been overlooked—returning citizens, young adults, underserved communities—find opportunity.”

Dorsey’s most recent role included developing job placement programs, promoting financial inclusion by partnering with national banks, supporting HBCUs nationwide, housing community projects, and assisting with creating reentry toolkits to help people transition successfully out of the prison system. Its work rooted in advocacy, justice, and a deep belief in helping others thrive.

Now, Today Monica is taking her voice to national stages, national convenings, conferences, town halls, mental health forums, podcasts and other stages that allow her embrace new opportunities to use her voice to create change. She is chasing her dreams and using her voice to change the world.

“People think Social Work is just CPS or therapy, but it’s so much bigger than that,” Dorsey said. “You can work in schools, jails, nonprofits, politics, even tech. It’s all about what you’re passionate about.”

For Dorsey, that passion also led to launching her own podcast, Thoughtful Conversations, where she highlights the stories of advocates, community changemakers, philanthropists, CEO’s and those working to uplift others.

“I believe in the power of storytelling,” she said. “Sometimes all someone needs is encouragement, a listening ear and access to a different path. The nation needs a voice, to feel inspired to act.”

When she isn’t working on national partnerships, creating or advocating for change. Dorsey likes to make time for self-care—riding horses at Southfork Ranch, eating her favorite street tacos in Garland, and dreaming about a future trip to Tokyo.

“If I could tell my younger self anything, it would be to keep going,” she said. “Be patient. Keep creating. And remember that your passion will lead you to your purpose.”

From case manager to national advocate, Dorsey has proven just how far a social worker can go.